The General Mills Foundation has established a new scholarship program with a $56,450 commitment to help support American Indian students attending tribal colleges in Minnesota, New Mexico and California.

The General Mills Tribal College Scholarship Program will award $2,000 need-based scholarships to 25 outstanding tribal college students. Recipients will be selected based on academic standing, financial need, leadership and commitment to their communities. Students may apply until April 15, 2004, for the scholarships, which will be awarded in fall 2004.

The scholarship award will be augmented by the Fund's student-support program called "Helping Hands." This program includes ongoing communications between the scholars and Fund staff, and provides advice and support for the scholars as they consider their academic and career options.

"The General Mills Foundation's partnership with the American Indian College Fund gives American Indian students an opportunity to realize a college education," said Richard B. Williams, president and CEO of the Fund. "We are grateful to General Mills for their support in helping us to increase educational attainment rates among Native people and ultimately, to strengthen our Native communities."

Scholarship applications are available on the Fund's Web site at www.collegefund.org.

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